Pleasanton Weekly

Front yards again a place for political signs

Political campaign signs are starting to dot the Pleasanton landscape as candidates and their supporters work the precincts, posting signs wherever they can to get the candidate's name out front in as many front yards as possible. The most visible sign I've seen is Steve Brozosky's, which has his name and "Mayor" in big bold black type against a strikingly yellow background. It's simple, you know what he's running for and you know it's his sign from a block away. And he has them all over town. I haven't seen any for Mayor Jennifer Hosterman yet, but I'm sure her campaign team will be placing them in front yards and on fence posts within the next few days.

Other impressive signs are those by school board candidate Valerie Arkin and Councilman Matt Sullivan. Arkin's is large, very large, and dominates the medical center's corner position at Mohr and Santa Rita. Sullivan is just putting his signs out with the series of signs along outbound Sunol Boulevard in front of Richert Lumber and Pleasanton Pool reminiscent of the old Burma Shave signs on country highways. Other candidate signs, such as the ones for Councilwoman Cindy McGovern and school board member Chris Grant are also clean and simple, but there aren't very many, at least not yet. Least impressive are the signs being posted for Jerry Pentin, also a council candidate. They're just too small with too many words around his name that makes it hard for a passing motorist to spot. Pentin just sent me some digital photos from a photo shoot of sharks underwater. They're awesome. If he could somehow blow those up as a background for just his name, I'm sure he'd catch the eye of many more motorists and perhaps their votes.

Of course, not everybody likes political signs on front yards, which have become a Pleasanton election tradition. Some homeowners associations even have a rule against them. Most agree, however, that they add a bit of current affairs flavor to neighborhoods, and candidates find that they're important in gaining name recognition. Politicians like to think that we watch the council and school board meetings regularly, tune in the numerous candidate forums and replays at home and know the issues facing our city and schools and which candidates we'd prefer to see handling them. But the reality is that the name counts when many Pleasanton voters look at their ballots, and often it's the signs they've seen around town that play a part in their decisions.

Then, too, there are those who just don't like signs at all. An Obama sign in front of the corner house at Crellin Road and Madeira Drive in Vintage Hills has been torn, stomped on and thrown against the house numerous times since it was posted in August. Now it's gone and the homeowner has safely wedged a McNerney sign against his front door. In another neighborhood, a reader emailed me that his McCain-Palin sign had been vandalized several times and then stolen, with eggs thrown against his house. He filed a police report but there are no suspects. Disappointed, he and his nervous wife have decided to support their candidates in less conspicuous ways.

Clarification: In last week's column, I reported that the Express Fitness workout center in the Rose Pavilion would soon turn over its space to the British grocer Fresh & Easy and move a few doors down to the corner location now occupied by Consignment Plus. But Patty Evans, who owns the Consignment Plus stores, including the one in the Rose Pavilion, said "not so fast." She said Centro Properties has given her an option to relocate, but she's fine where she is. She has a lease, the corner location is good and the store is enjoying brisk business where it is.

This story contains 633 words.

If you are a paid subscriber, check to make sure you have
logged in.
Otherwise our system cannot recognize you as having full free access to our site.

If you are a paid print subscriber and haven't yet set up an online account,
click here
to get your online account activated.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 3, 2008 at 7:55 am

I suspect the reason Brozosky signs are up early is because they're mostly leftovers from the 2006 campaign. All that developer-contributed money sure can buy a lot of signs. :)

Posted by resident, a resident of Downtown
on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:08 am

A funny thing happened when my Brozosky sign went up -- the city ordered me to remove it as they said the lawn in front of my house belongs to them and "someone" had complained. Funny because I have had a McNerney sign in the same place for several weeks without hearing a word about that. Only when the Brozosky sign showed up did "someone" call the code enforcement department. Have fun with it Jennifer, this is why my vote for Brozosky is a sure thing. These type of tactics are just plain dumb.

Posted by resident, a resident of Downtown
on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:22 am

Funny, same thing happened to me when I put a Jerry Pentin for Council sign up on the lawn in front of my house. The City ordered it moved as someone had called code enforcement. Makes me wonder if one of the other Council Candidates complained. . .I think I'll just be voting for Pentin as a result.

Posted by raven, a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 4, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Please clarify for me why code enforcement is being called if these signs are on your property? Thanks.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 4, 2008 at 12:38 pm

It didn't sound like the signs were on their properties, but on a city-owned easement.

Posted by Green, a resident of Apperson Ridge
on Oct 4, 2008 at 1:26 pm

Stacey,
For the twenty years that I have been involved in local politics the signs have been recycled from one campaign season to next. At the end of a campaign we are usually asked to bring the signs to the victory/or not party. It is the responsible thing to do.
I have to wonder why Hosterman, who claims to be so green, does not have hers from the last two campaigns.

Posted by resident, a resident of Downtown
on Oct 4, 2008 at 5:08 pm

Green -- the answer to your question about Hosterman's signs is easy. She had them altered to read "Hosterman for President" and cannot use them in this election. All she cares about is moving along with lowly little Pleasanton being a stepping stone. Nuclear free zone, food for all, peace in the Middle East, whatever her latest soapbox is. Maybe she could run for governor, that seemed to work for Palin. Only problem is that she has the political ineptitude down fine but people actually seem to like Palin. Better try something else. Oh, I know, how about governing Pleasanton instead of trying to make her mark on the entire free world. And just out of curiosity, has she ever passed the bar? How many times are you allowed to fail it?

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 5, 2008 at 1:34 am

What's the difference between campaign signs on a city-owned easement and realtor signs on a city-owned easement or sidewalk.

Do we have a double standard here or is it that no one calls about the realtor signs.

My only complaint is the campaign signs that are still hanging on fences and poles long after the election is over.

By the way, all you people that hang sighs for the candidate of your choice - please don't nail them on the power poles. When the signs are removed/rot away and the nail remains in the pole this presents a danger to anyone required to climb the pole. If his/her "climbing hooks" hit the nail this could cause them to "cut out" and slide down the pole. It's no fun picking splinters out of your stomach and/or chin.

Posted by resident, a resident of Downtown
on Oct 5, 2008 at 10:17 am

Jerry,
Good question, we have a double standard. Unfortunately, in this town it is perfectly legal to place realtor signs on public property. Not so in the rest of the Tri-Valley. Some of the sleazier ones (you know his signs, you see them blocking the sidewalks all the time) put the signs in the way of walkers on the sidewalks as well as in a manner that blocks handicapped access to the crosswalks. But no matter, realtors rule with the city. Let us not forget one large segment of the population that got this country into the financial fiasco we are now battling.

FYI, if a political sign is up after the election you can call the code enforcement officer and the candidate will be required to remove it immediately or be fined. If a person thinks enough of a candidate to put up a sign it only makes sense that they would take the sign down. Sometimes it doen't happen that way.

Posted by anonymous, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 6, 2008 at 4:50 pm

My neighbor has a sign for a school board member - why can't other political signs be allowed?

Posted by anonymous, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 6, 2008 at 4:52 pm

To clarify: My neighbor has a sign for a school board member on the sidewalk of their house - why can't other political signs be allowed?

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:36 pm

Probably because someone hasn't complained about it yet. Give them time...

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Someone is placing Hosterman and Pentin signs in unauthorized locations all over town. There are guidelines that candidates are expected to follow and they are not following them.
Signs are only to be placed on private property where the property owner has given permission.
Hosterman knows better and Pentin should know better also.

Posted by curious, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:23 am

Where are the unauthorized signs and how do you know they do not have permission.

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:44 am

They are sprinkled all over town many around the mall. They have been placed in areas that are general and common areas. Areas that are HOA or absentee landowners that in past campaigns have been off limits.
I pay attention to how many signs are in homeowners lawns indicating real support.
I think businesses are foolish to put up signs. If a business displays an opposing candidates sign that I do not support, I never go there again.
If they let everyone out up signs that is okay, but then what is the point?

The QQ and Pentin signs look the same. Can't read either of them or tell them apart, is that on purpose?

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:45 am

They are sprinkled all over town many around the mall. They have been placed in areas that are general and common areas. Areas that are HOA or absentee landowners that in past campaigns have been off limits.
I pay attention to how many signs are in homeowners lawns indicating real support.

I think businesses are foolish to put up signs. If a business displays an opposing candidates sign that I do not support, I never go there again.

If they let everyone put up signs that is okay, but then what is the point?

The QQ and Pentin signs look the same. Can't read either of them or tell them apart, is that on purpose?

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:54 am

"If a business displays an opposing candidates sign that I do not support, I never go there again."

Boy, are you sure fascist!

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:55 am

I think all businesses everywhere should put up signs Diane does not like. Then she'll never have any place around here to shop and then will have to move to some place that agrees more with her.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:56 am

Do you firmly believe in the "us vs. them" mentality? Democracy appears dead in this town.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:59 am

"I pay attention to how many signs are in homeowners lawns indicating real support."

No it doesn't. It only shows fanaticism. Are you one of those people who believe 5,000 signatures represents 69,000 voters?

Posted by Dilusional, a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 8, 2008 at 9:28 am

Diane is obviously dilusional, or fanatical as Stacey says. This is exactly the intentinal type of misinformation used to get over 4,000 people to sign the petition in the first place.

"I'm here to save Pleasanton". Please sign this! Most people sign to simply be able to move on without being hassled further. Sorry Diane, but you sound like the definition of hypocrite!

Posted by signs, a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Oct 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

I noticed driving out the front gate at Ruby yesterday that there are at least a dozen signs dotting the fence directly across Vineyard. There was no permission asked for or given to anyone to put up the signs. Interesting none of them as of yesterday were for Pleasanton Elections but all were for County, District, or State stuff. I guess per Diane's definition these do not indicate real support, so I'll just ignore them.

Sounds like Diane has a bit too much time on her hands to be driving all over town verifying "real support" vs any sign that dosen't support her opinions.

Posted by John, a resident of Mohr Park
on Oct 8, 2008 at 1:44 pm

Stacey, are you one of those people that have put in real work on a local issue? Oh I forgot... you only criticize people that do.

Aren't you whining about people not being able to have a nice civil discussion on another thread? Four consecutive hostile posts?

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 3:01 pm

"Aren't you whining about people not being able to have a nice civil discussion on another thread?"

Am I? Which other thread? If you're going to write such things, at least back it up with evidence.

"you only criticize people that do."

Are you saying Diane does "real work on local issues"?

Calling out someone's fanaticism is hostile? Would you have everyone believe that signs on homeowners' yards represent "real support"? What do you call everyone who doesn't have a yard sign?

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Diane's post represents a dangerous narrow view of democracy. I'm not saying it is intentional. She probably doesn't realize it at all.

In a democracy, you have to recognize that not everyone is going to agree with you. I certainly don't expect people here to agree with me. If I did, I wouldn't write.

Diane appears to expect everyone to agree with her and if they don't she is willing to punish them (i.e. not shop at their business). Some people think that is ok. They'll jump on a bandwagon of such behavior as long as it doesn't affect them. So the lesson is, don't let Diane know where your support lies? That's ridiculous.

Posted by curious, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 8, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Dianne, You still haven't told us where the unauthorized signs are. If there were really so many scattered all over town I am sure code enforcement would have contacted the candidates by now. Sounds like a bogus statement at best.

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 8:09 pm

I was sharing my thoughts.
Stacey you are a bully.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 8, 2008 at 9:46 pm

I was sharing my thoughts that were inspired by yours. Was I supposed to tell you I thought what you wrote was peachy?

BTW, what do you think of the Brozosky and McGovern signs?

Posted by Just a neighbor, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:33 pm

I think businesses are foolish to put up signs. If a business displays an opposing candidates sign that I do not support, I never go there again. "

So I begin to wonder whether Diane is in my own neighborhood, and whether if I happen to be foolish enough to display a sign that she doesn't agree with, she'll never talk to me again.

Wow, so much for open discourse and exchange of ideas between intelligent citizens. I like to think that my neighbors are good folks, people who want the best for our city, who want to hear how other people think and perhaps why they came to that viewpoint, but now, with what I read here, I'd better watch out before expressing an opinion. Otherwise, the thought police will be condemning me for having an independent thought?

Posted by Bully?, a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Funny that Diane takes the offensive and calls Stacey a bully!! Diane you are the bully! Like it or not, Stacey does her research and from my perspective is balanced and reasonable in her posts here.

Diane, don't show up in a forum to participate having not done your homework and make unsupported claims.

Unfortunately Diane is sterotypical of those supporting the Brozosky, McGovern, Sullivan perspective. Don't be concerned with the facts simply call people names and resight inaccuracies.

Posted by Joe, a resident of Birdland
on Oct 9, 2008 at 7:11 am

Ouch... sounds like Diane hit a nerve with Hosterman/Pentin supporters...or is it Hosterman herself?

Posted by Why is it., a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 9, 2008 at 9:07 am

Why is it that every time an contradition appears against the Brozosky camp does someone claim its in someway inappropriate, or in this case is Jennifer herself.

I responded to Dianes BS message (as Bully) that Hosterman supporters are stealing other candidates signs, or putting them up in "illegal" places. I personally see a small vocal minority here, or even in public spreading mis-information.

For the record I am a Hosterman/Pentin supporter. I voted for Brozosky in the last election, but will vote for Hosterman this time around. I have found Steve to contradict himself constantly, and believe that Jennifer has learned some very valuable lessons (good and bad), in the process of begin Mayor. She is now in a position as a result of her tenure/experience, to have a positive impact at the regional level where funding and support is needed for highway 84 expansion as an example.

I am for Pentin, because he has great experience and an excellent record in Parks and Rec. and stands for good quality projects and growth that will benefit all in Pleasanton. He also has great common sense.

I am frustrated with a council who believe a single voice is enough to shout down a large majority, and delay or kill a project that is good for Pleasaton overall. Many practice has been allowed well after a lengthy public comment period has come and gone. I am also frustrated that those same council members allow an ex-council member (Kay Ayala), to have soo much influence over their own decision making, that everything seemingly will be tied up in the court system forever and nothing will ever get done. There is something to be said about being a graceful loser, rather than screaming the other guy cheated and threatening, or actually bringing a lawsuit. I am hoping this culture changes and we can have good quality development that has benefit to all, not just STOP EVERYTHING!

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 10, 2008 at 1:53 am

Why is it, - Amador Valley High School Community,

Not attempting to pick a fight, just have a question.

You stated you "found Steve to contradict himself constantly". Could you enlighten me - when and/or where.

In my opinion, without an explaination to substantiate these "contradictions", it's just words...

Posted by Curious, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 10, 2008 at 7:13 am

Jerry, here's a contradiction. Steve took a lot of money from the Oak Grove developers in the 2006 election, telling them that it was a good project and he supported it. A year later, guess who's out collecting signatures to referend Oak Grove, Steve. And yes you can say that anyone has the right to collect signatures, which I agree with. But if you support something, then why would you referend it? Also, after the 2006 election a number of changes such as adding a trail staging area were made to the project so if you supported it in 2006 there was no reason to change your mind a year later.

Here's another one--the Vineyard Ave bridge. He was on the Council when that was made a priority in the spending plan and he voted for the plan. Who was at a recent Council meeting critizing the current council for spending money on the bridge? Yup, Steve. Just using it as a sound bite

Also, I found the last City Council meeting very interesting that Karen Martens would stand up and criticize three people for taking developer money in the 2006 and 2008 election but failed to mention Steve. How is it the developer money Steve took isn't tainted as Karen claims?

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 10, 2008 at 8:53 am

"But if you support something, then why would you referend it?"

Sounds also like Matt Sullivan.

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 11, 2008 at 1:42 am

I thought I heard Ms. Martens say she couldn't find where Brozosky had taken developer contributions. Maybe I mis-understood her and she was refering to someone else.

Our Mayor seemed quite annoyed with Ms. Martens. The lady was well prepared and wouldn't stop talking until she had made her point. I thought it was quite comical...:)

On another subject - Now why would someone pounce on Diane and refer to her as "fascist" because she said she wouldn't patronize a business because she didn't agree with their politics. With all the talk about "democracy" that takes place on this forum, it would seem people would understand Diane can refuse to shop where she pleases, for whatever reason. Yes, even political. If I refuse to attend a person's social gathering because I don't agree with their politics does that make me a "fascist". I think not.

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:37 am

Jerry, thank you for being the voice of reason.

I did feel pounced on. I was not suggesting businesses needed to agree with me, but that they should stay neutral or risk losing business.

I like the campaign signs, part of the season, but have always appreciated that our code enforcement keeps the campaigns from littering them in inappropriate locations. I have seen some from other camps that are misplaced, Grant needs to learn the guidelines, and I have seen one Brozosky misplaced, but Hosterman and Pentin and QQ are the biggest offenders. All of the camps need to make sure their people understand the guidelines or it reflects badly on the candidate.

Stacey thinks she is a reasonable person, but together with another poster that changes names, they are bullies on these threads.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 11, 2008 at 2:33 pm

Where to start?

1) I'll admit the "fascist" comment was over the top. The right word wouldn't come to mind at the time, which is "fanatic". I had a vision of "Juden" painted on store front windows to let people know not to shop there.

2) Jerry, I didn't mean to imply that Diane isn't free to make choices about where she shops. I wanted to point out the fanatical nature of her choice, or rather what she wrote. Allow me to do so again with more hyperbole! Does Diane care that the employees who may not even hold the same beliefs as the owner won't get paid with the money she won't spend at the shop? She'll _never_ shop there again? What if in the next election the store owner posts a political sign for someone Diane supports? Will she suddenly start shopping there again in opposition to her "never" statement? Should I stop talking to my neighbors who have Brozosky, Sullivan, McGovern, and Yes on PP signs in their yards and start throwing eggs at their homes? Should we put some sort of mark on all the people who voted in the minority so that we'll all know who to make faces at? Should I leave my husband because him and I don't always agree politically?

3) If Diane wants to think me calling her behavior "fanatical" is bullying, I really don't care. It surprises me that Diane would feel threatened by my response when I didn't make threats. I don't even know who she is or where she lives. We don't hear our candidates calling each other bullies despite all the arguing that goes on. It seems to me that Diane isn't sure what a real bully is.

Posted by Kathy Narum, Campaign Manager, Jerry Pentin for City Council, a resident of Highland Oaks
on Oct 11, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Diane, Jerry and his campaign committee are committed to running a positive campaign with signs placed in "legal" places only. We have received permission from many people to place our signs on their property. However, it can be a challenge as we don't always know who is placing signs for us. Please contact us at through the web site, www.pentin.com with locations of signs you're concerned about and we'll take a look. We appreciate the feedback.

Posted by Diane, a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Oct 11, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Kathy, Thank you for your response, does that apply for QQ signs also? I usually assume misplaced signs are an overzealous uninformed supporter. I have noticed some signs have already been removed.

I respect and enjoy my neighbors differing opinions.
When a business puts up a sign it makes me feel like they don't care enough about my business to remain professional and neutral. It feels unwelcoming.

Bully: overbearing or intimidating, to force ones way.
After feeling "pounce on" I was reluctant to continue to post.
Stacey, you are a bully.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 11, 2008 at 10:28 pm

No one's twisting your arm. You're free to write what you please just as others are free to respond to or challenge your statements.

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 12, 2008 at 1:38 am

Come on now Stacey...

Diane has no obligation to be concerned about the store employees not benefiting from the "missed sales". That's the owner's responsibility. The owner should take that into consideration when chosing to allow a "political sign" on his/her property that he/she should know could result in lost sales. We tend to shy away from what we disagree with, that's human nature.

As to the next owner - I don't pretend to speak for Diane, but perhaps "never" was a figure of speech that we've all probably used at one time or the other. If I recall correctly, it's been reported by some posting on this forum that, during door to door campaigning, a couple of the present council members made statements that they "would never" allow homes to be built on the hills in dispute. Now supporters praise them for "seeing the light" and changing their position. If Diane choses to change her mind, for whatever reason, does that make her any different.

I don't think you can compare your neighbors signs with a business owner's sign. Would you expect Diane, or anyone else, to go into a business and attempt to "discuss politics" with the owner in an attempt to convince him/her to change their views, as perhaps you would with your neighbor or husband. Ain't gonna happen. My dad, a business owner, had a strict rule - "I don't discuss religion or politics during business hours. I cater to the general public and can't afford to lose the business". Now this could be a stretch, but I would submit that a "political sign" is a form of "discussing politics".

Now don't you go throwing eggs at your neighbors. They may not have "voting booths" in Santa Rita and, as a CHP Officer once told our "Driving School" class, "there's animals on both sides of the bars at Santa Rita". His words not mine...:)

By the way, with the strong support you show for the candidates/positions you favor, would you consider yourself to be "fanatical"...:):)

Posted by Kathy Narum, Campaign Manager Jerry Pentin for City Council, a resident of Highland Oaks
on Oct 12, 2008 at 7:44 am

Diane, Jerry Pentin's campaign committee is completely separate/independent from QQ. (Campaign signs for the two committees were done completely independent of each other. Its a coincidence that they look the same.) Based on the people involved with the QQ campaign, I would think they share the same thought as Jerry's campaign committee does. However, you would need to contact the QQ committee.

Frankly, what's more concerning is the tactics the Yes on PP group is starting to use with signs. We have observed several of Jerry's signs as well as Mayor Hosterman's signs covered with PP signs along Sunol Blvd. There is plenty of space in this city for everyone's signs without covering up other candidate's signs. Aren't the PP folks the ones talking about open government/listening to everyone, etc? They should then be the last ones employing this kind of tactic!!!

Posted by curious, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Oct 12, 2008 at 8:03 am

Dianne still hasn't told anyone where all the unauthorized signs she is refering to are located. I still think it is bogus. Plant the seed(true or false) and hope some voters buy into it.

Posted by Joe, a resident of Birdland
on Oct 12, 2008 at 8:47 am

"They are sprinkled all over town many around the mall. They have been placed in areas that are general and common areas. Areas that are HOA or absentee landowners that in past campaigns have been off limits."

curious, go take a drive or give it a rest.

Posted by I was there too, a resident of Amador Estates
on Oct 12, 2008 at 9:05 am

Joe,
You could be talking about any of the campaigns currently going on. . they all have signs in places where they shouldn't be. Does anybody really believe that an election is won or lost based on where/how many signs are ought there? My observation is that so far this election has far fewer signs out then in previous elections. Could that be a sign of the economy? (The worst was two years ago with Arkin signs placed every 10 feet down Stoneridge Dr.)

Posted by Ruth, a resident of Jensen Tract
on Oct 12, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Instead of pointing fingers candidates need to take responsibility for their own campaign.
Give a gift to your community by taking the high road, even if you feel someone else is not.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:33 pm

Jerry,

I gave fair warning I was going to exaggerate!

I'm not one so much for judging something based upon criteria that is outside of the scope of the nature of that something. To me, a business is worthy of my patronage based upon criteria intrinsic to business: the quality of their service, their product, their price, etc. The moral relativist in me wants to agree that judging a business upon whether they display the campaign sign of the person I support or oppose is valid and equal when compared next to the other criteria I enumerated above. But the objectivist in me believes that such out-of-scope criteria is irrational and indicative of uncritical devotion to a certain position (fanaticism).

BTW, (facetiousness warning) some of my neighbors run their businesses out of their homes. The Valero gas station on West Los Positas and Santa Rita has several signs out so I'll have to drive on to the next station. Also, I noticed both a Hosterman and Brozosky sign on corner next to the old Swenson's ice cream place on Santa Rita. I guess no one will be shopping there. With all these businesses that give their permission to display signs, the sales tax revenue in Pleasanton is sure going to be low.

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:36 pm

I'm sure there's a few teens reading this who go out and move signs just to mess with all of us.

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:49 am

Stacey,

You're funny...You sure reeled me in...:):)

Don't you know that gas station has some of the highest prices in town. Drive on to a cheaper place and save enough to stop and get an ice cream on the way back...:):)

Posted by Jerry, a resident of Oak Hill
on Oct 13, 2008 at 1:30 am

Stacey,

Forgot to ask. Would you agree "Letter: Vote "yes" on Prop. 8" could be considered a "popcorn thread". 75 comments to date and growing...:)

Posted by Stacey, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 13, 2008 at 6:56 am